O’shea will play his last game at International level this weekend, when he captains his Republic of Ireland side for the last time against USA.
There is little doubt that Sunderland captain John O’shea is one of the most successful footballers to ever come out of Ireland and one of the Black Cats’ most consistent defenders.
The 37-year-old has spent most of his magnificent career at Manchester United, winning 14 trophies – including five Premier League titles, one FA Cup and the most prestigious of them all, the Champions League in 2008, when his Manchester United side beat rivals Chelsea.
O’shea will pick up his 118th and final International cap this weekend when Ireland face off against USA, after the defender announced his retirement from International football last month.
And ahead of Sunderland’s vital League One campaign next term, the Irishman should consider leaving the game he loves and make a decision on whether or not to hang his boots up for one final time.
It’s no secret that next season for Sunderland will be a vital campaign and undoubtedly a gruelling one. New manager Jack Ross will have the task of recruiting a big enough squad which will stand up to the test of playing over 46 games next season.
And as Sunderland found out last season in the Championship, the English Football League takes no prisoners on both the injury and fitness front – meaning O’shea could get left behind in the third tier.
Sunderland’s captain clearly still has the capability to play football at this level, but sign’s of O’shea’s legs deceiving him last season were often apparent when fast strikers would get in behind the Sunderland defence on an all too regular basis.
However, O’shea seeing his career fizzle out certainly isn’t something that the Irishman can be ashamed of. With 217 appearances in a Sunderland shirt, O’shea has been one of the all time great defenders on Wearside.
But it is a consideration that must be made by O’shea, especially with how vital next term is for the former Premier League regulars.
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